Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 142, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 June 1912 — ST. JOE’S COMMENCEMENT NEXT TUESDAY EVENING. [ARTICLE]

ST. JOE’S COMMENCEMENT NEXT TUESDAY EVENING.

“Henrigill,’* a Tragic Drama, to Be Rendered By C. L. S.—Synopsis of the Play. The commencement exercises will be opened Tuesday, June 18th, at 8 p. m., with “Hermlgild,” a tragic drama, rendered by the C. L. S. The plot of the play is laid in the fourth century. The following is a short synopsis of the whole: Prince Hermlgild, the oldest son of Leovigild, King of Spain, is ruling in the province Seville. His orders from the central government were to introduce the state religion, Arianism, into the province and draw the people from their allegiance to Rome. Hermlgild, however, perceiving the truth of the Catholic religion, accepts it for himself and people and rejects the other. Goswin, chancellor of the realm, and Argimund, chief of Leavlglld’s army, see in this apostacy the opening of a path by which they might bring about the disinheritance of Hermigild and secure the crown for their own house. Both work together, yet each uses the other as a tool in his way to the crown. By cunning words and devices they incense the king against his own son, who is ordered either to return to Arianism or suffer banishment Hermlgild chooses the latter and is about to depart from his beloved people when the body of Leovigild’s ambassador, who has been killed by a street peddler in search of goldfls found in a street of Seville. Sisbert, brother of the ambassador, accuses Leovigild as instigator of the crime and war is declared against tbe unhappy province. Seville is destroyed but Hermlgild escapes to the forest where he is hunted like a deer for ten months by the police of Argimund, who now rule the province. Here he is met by Recared, a young brother, who persuades him to come before their father and king and ask pardon. After much pleading on the part of friends he consents td go. To-

gether the sons kneel before the throne. The’king receives his son, but in answer to the question whether he will accept the Arian religion, and Hermigild’s refusal as a matter of conscience, the king falls again into anger and casts the prince into prison for life. Argimund and Goswin, hoping to secure the death of Hermiglld, no<w forge a letter which states that the imprisoned prince has conspired with the Emperor of Constangain the crown. Their plans are successful; the angered king signs the warrant for Hermigild’s death and Sisbert is sent to execute it Goswin in the height of success now plans the death of his colleague, Argimund. The latter, however, hearsthe boasting of his rival and challenges him to stand and fight. Roderic, the non of Goswin, rushes between and accepts the challenge in place of his father. In the midst of the duel, in which Roderic is wounded, the king and court enter the chamber. Goswin, in grief for his son, discloses the treachery of Argimund, who in turn tells what part Goswin played in the conspiracy sot the crown. The innocence of Hermigild is thus made apparent, but it is too late to save his life, for bloody Sisbert has already executed the death warrant within the prison walls. On Wednesday at 7 a. m. Mass will be celebrated by the Rt. Rev. H. Alerding, Bishop of Ft. Wayne. Following this will be the baccalaureate address in the college auditorium by Hon. Michael F. Glrten, of Chicago. Mr. Walter Reineck will speak the valedictory for the graduating class. This will be followed by the awarding of the diplomas and medals won in the various departments of study. We welcomed the following visitors during the week: Mrs. P. F. Murphy, Master Francis Lambert, Chicago; Miss Rosella Gleason, Peru, Ind.; Fred A Holts, Huntington; N. H. McPartland, Burlington, Iowa; Mr. J. I E. Hoey, Richmond, Ind.